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shipposttt · 1 year ago

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Ship of the Day: BlackBonnet

Names: Edward Teach and Stede Bonnet

Ship Name(s): BlackBonnet

Original Content: Our Flag Means Death

THIS COVERS SEASON 1 ONLY SO PLEASE (if you comment) DO NOT COMMENT SPOILERS PLEASE! THANK YOU!

Ship Info:

Now it's time for our most important topic (in my opinion). Gay pirates.

Our Flag Means Death first graced our TV screens in 2022 with a second season following shortly after in 2023 (this blog will only cover the 1st season so please don't spoil anything!). This series is rich with people who we would recognise in the time when pirates roamed the earth such as Israel "Izzy" Hands, Calico Jack, Jim (who is based on multiple real-life pirates) and so on. The actual title of the show could also be a reference to this time due to the dangers and risks associated with piracy, where engaging in pirate activities often led to a perilous fate depending on who you ran (or sailed) into. But the two main pirates of the show are the real reason I'm writing our blog, so let's get on with it!

'Gentleman Pirate', Stede Bonnet, is an inexperienced pirate who used to be an Englishman during the 18th century. He lacked experience yet somehow managed to find himself as the Captain of his own ship known as 'The Revenger'. 'Blackbeard', Edward Teach, is a notorious pirate who also sailed the seas during the 18th century. He was known for his fearsome appearance, long black beard, having multiple weapons strapped to his body as well as being in command of a fleet of ships. The odds of these two meetings seem pretty slim right? WRONG! The two do meet. And have a hell of an adventure that sends them both (and the audience) on an emotional rollercoaster.

Although I would love to dissect every single scene that could have led audiences shipping these two, I have limited it to several to save time for myself and for those of you who are reading.

The first scene I would like to introduce comes from the first season where Edward (Blackbeard) had been staying on the Revenge, teaching Stede how to become a more fearsome pirate while in return Stede taught him about higher society. Already the two represent being people the other person dreamt of being, already creating a connection of respect in some cases. After being insulted by the captain of a ship they had just raided, we are given a glimpse into Edward's backstory after he pulls out some red handkerchief his mother had given him. Attached to this handkerchief is a memory that has followed Edward for years of his mother telling him when he was a child that 'they were not the kinds of people that got to have fine things'. Additionally, on the captured ship an invitation to a high-society party is found, and we see Edward desperately wanting to attend. While at this party he takes on the identity of 'Jeff the Accountant' and entertains the aristocracy. But things turn sour when he fails to remember the correct utensils to use at dinner, causing the aristocracy to start laughing at him and no longer with him. Stede handles the situation by starting a brawl amongst the aristocrats, leading to the boat catching on fire. Now we get to the main bit of this section, as Edward removes the red handkerchief from his shirt and reminisces about what his mother had said to him we see Stede come up to him. He takes the red handkerchief, folds it into a rose and places it into Edward's breast pocket, telling him that 'he wore fine things well', leading to a moment of silence before the two walked away from each other (not without a glimpse back though). To some of the fanbase, the red handkerchief could be a personification of Edward's heart. He views it as a 'tatty old thing' that he should hide since he doesn't think it suits him to have a heart. He might think it's weak to have one since it could lead to him being hurt in a place he cannot heal. We first see him hiding the fabric, embarrassed to show Stede. This could also be because he views Stede as the 'fine thing' that he cannot have. That his heart will not suit Stede due to their different upbringings. But as the two grew closer that evening he shows his heart to Stede, who folds it into a beautiful rose showing him how beautiful his heart could be. This could also mean that Stede is the amplifier that Edward needs in order to see himself for who he truly is and to see how he can wear his heart well. This showed progress of their relationship for many fans due to how he was showing a part of him (that he normally kept hidden) to Stede. A desire he always wanted but did not think he deserved. And how Stede reassured him he did deserve it. This is only one of the scenes that proves how important the two are to not only each other for things such as teaching each other how to be a better pirate or teaching the other about the finer things in life, but also to each other's growth as individuals.

We again see their relationship change when Edward tries to kill Stede Bonnet (it sounds worse than it is, trust me). As we learn how the only time Edward felt fear was when his father was killed by the 'Kraken' and how he was there to witness it, he decided it was time to teach Stede about the 'art of fuckery' and how it could be used as a great way to install fear in their enemies. However, some of Edwards crew (Izzy,Ivan and Fang) had had enough of Edward acting like Stede's 'pet' (someone that Blackbeard would never let on his ship) and said it was time for Bonnet to die. Edward agreed. As he went on to do the deed ,unaware that Stede was planning to do an 'art of fuckery', the special effects resembling a Kraken attack cause Edward to go into a panic and hide in Stede's bathroom. Alarmed at this reaction, Stede follows and Edward reveals that he was the 'Kraken' who killed his abusive father. With this, he also tells Stede that he was planning to kill him but couldn't as he broke down in tears saying how he 'wasn't a good person' and that this was why he 'didn't have any friends'. Stede rebukes this claim and says how he views him as a friend and how he will forget about the planned killing, comforting Edward. This showed how much comfort Stede provides Edward. When Edward felt unsafe or needed somewhere he felt safe he went to STEDE'S bathroom. This showed that when he feels vulnerable, when all of the emotions he's kept hidden for so long come to surface his one confidant is Stede. And again, he shares something he has never shared with anyone else showing how much he trusts him. The way he can't kill Stede or keep his emotions in check around him could also highlight the fact that he cannot bring himself to be Blackbeard around Stede. He can only be Ed. The better self that Stede had helped him find. And how Stede straight away went after Edward, comforted him even when he revealed he was going to kill him and reminded him of his frienship showed that he could see the real Edward. And that was the version he wanted to see. Not the Blackbeard the others demanded came back to surface. The one that suited fine things. Edward. And with this interaction how could we not want a happy ending for these two?

Sadly, we do not get to see a happy end as of season one.

As soon as Edward learns that Calico Jack (his former crewmate) was sent by Izzy to make sure that he was away from the Revenge before the English arrived and captured Stede and his crew, he abandons the dinghy to return to the revenge. Once he arrives him, Stede and the rest of the crew are captured. But, as their hands are tied and they're thrown onto the floor, we see a moment between the two that had cemented for many fans that they did indeed have feelings for each other. They look at each other, content that they were together again. And as the camera slowly zooms out, we see Edwards boot reach for Stede's ankle, and in response Stede rubs his ankle against Edwards boot. Despite the chaos happening outside, their only concern is comforting the other. And if they have the means to do it, they will not hesitate. As long as they each have that little bit of comfort the world could burn and they would still be okay. Since they have the other as company. Nothing would hurt them more than being separated. If they could have even the tiniest bit of contact, nothing be bad. Even when death faces them and comes for their 'flags', they are just happy they would go through it together. There's no 'Mine' in 'Our Flag Means Death' after all.

The next episode we see as they both try and defend each other over Stede's crime (killing Nigel Badminton) showing how they wanted to make sure the other one was safe, even if it meant death for themselves. They just wanted the other one to be safe. In the end they both get put on trial. It was decided that Edward would go with Izzy Hands while Stede would be sentenced to death by firing squad. Not wanting Stede to go to a place he wouldn't be able to follow him to, Edward declared Act of Grace to save 'The Gentleman Pirates' life. This was agreed to and Stede would be pardoned if the both of them signed a document which would mean they would need to give up their life of piracy and serve the king. They both signed. As they spend some time in the Royal Privateering Academy, Stede questions how Edward was able to handle the situation so well to which Edward says he wanted to do 'what makes Ed happy'. He confessed that it was Stede that made 'Ed' happy. To make a sweet moment so much sweeter, he ends the confession with a kiss. As Stede accepts Edwards feelings they both decide to run away together. However, Stede never turned up. Just before the two planned to meet, he was awoken up at gunpoint by Chauncey Badminton who told him that he 'defiles beautiful things'. He reminded him of his crime of killing Nigel, of his family and how he had brought 'histories greatest pirate to ruin'. Stede finds himself agreeing to this and makes the decision to go to back to his former home. Edward is left heartbroken as he finds his way back to the Revenge, alone. He reverts to his old ways as 'Blackbeard', throwing away his old red handkerchief. Throwing away his heart and everything that reminded him of Stede. While Blackbeard began getting rid of his old life as 'Edward', Stede realsied how much he really loved Edward. As his wife (Mary Bonnet) revealed what it was like to be in love with Doug, he started thinking about his time with Edward and how much it meant to him. This was love. The two then used the 'art of fuckery' to fake Stede's death (which worked), but it was too late. Edward and the Ship were gone from the location where it had been last. In this scene we might as well have seen the death of 'Ed' as without Stede, he was just Blackbeard. Afterall, the pair of them are only their best selves when they are together.

Type of ship: Queer Canon

The 'Our Flags Mean Death' franchise is one of the best series I have personally watched regarding representation and in the way it rejects toxic masculinity. The LGBTQ+ community have suffered at the hands of what is known as 'queer baiting' for so long. This is when through advertisements and interviews with casts ect the TV producers sort of lure the community into watching and promoting their show with a false promise that their will be non-heteronormative couples involved in their franchise. But they don't follow through with this and get our hopes up making us feel lead on (see shark emoji post on BeChloe). This is why Our Flags Means Death was such a breath of fresh air. Actually FOLLOWING THROUGH with what was promised just raised our hopes a little more and allowed more people (who do not get near enough representation through TV shows and movies ect) to feel a bit more seen and also helped people discover who they are when they see people going through the same issues they're going through.

Stede and Ed's relationship was a pleasure to watch. To see two men have such comfort in each other and to see characters talking about their feelings and having breakdowns without feeling any shame or embarrassment was needed in order to challenge the toxic masculinity we see too much in this world and in the media. And to have such positive representations of Queer relationships being healthy was also amazing.

The journey we followed with Stede and Ed (although it ended on a cliffhanger) showed us what love was all about. Trust. Being your true self with each other. Sacrifice. Loving each other when we're at our worst. Loving the parts of the other that they couldn't love themselves. And so much more. And to find out what we hoped would happen, did happen is such a win for the LGBTQ+ community. We can only hope that shows will take a few lessons from this show and that we don't need to fear queer baiting happening as frequently as it does.

Even the show director (David Jenkins) admitted 'that Stede and Blackbeard’s romance was always part of his initial pitch for the series — and one of the things he and the writers found most creatively fulfilling". The opposites attract troupe which lead to the both of them just finding out what each of them actually wanted, fixed with the slow burn and not just the both of them automatically liking each other and showing the development of their relationship felt like a reward and made it feel natural and not forced.

It's safe to say I cannot wait to watch season 2. The only complaint I have for this show is how lonely it makes me feel. We all deserve a relationship like Stede and Ed.

Admin, 🦒

#gay ships #lgbtq community #shipping #ships #fandom #our flag means death #our flag means gay #stede bonnet #ed x stede #ofmd stede #ed teach #the gentleman pirate #edward teac

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jiminthestreets-bonesinthesheets · 1 year ago

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Love Beyond the Black

Fandom: Ateez Rating: Mature Pairing: Jung Wooyoung/Choi San, with a little bit of Kim Hongjoong/Park Seonghwa sprinkled in AO3 Masterlist

Summary: Wooyoung is the son of a merchant sailor for the King, one of his best. He is coming of age to prepare to take his fathers place as the captain, and so his father takes him on his first sail. After nearly facing death in a raging storm at sea, Wooyoung and his father make port at their destination. Not long after their arrival Wooyoung finds a boy washed up on sea, still alive, and the most gorgeous thing he has ever laid his eyes on. He is instantly entranced by him, taken by this boy with no memory of where he came from or why he had been washed up on shore. Wooyoung couldn't have cared any less about the unanswered questions, but how will he feel when he finds out the boy he has so very quickly fallen in love with turns out to be one of the most revered pirates to have ever sailed the seas?

A/N and Warnings: First, yes, I ship kpop groups, but no, that does not mean I am crazy about them outside of their groups. It's hard to explain but I see them in their groups as almost characters in a sense, but whatever my boys decide to do in their real lives outside of the groups, I fully and completely support them as long as they are happy :) And with that being said, if this isn't the kind of fic for you, it's okay if you don't read it!

Second, this is going to be a very different fic from anything I have ever written before (I think). It's not going to be super dark or anything, perhaps a tad bit more angsty then usual, but it is a fic about pirates so there will be fighting, and blood, and violence, some homophobia because of the time period. Though keep in mind there will be a happy ending for our boys, and that the major character death in the tags does not apply to either San or Wooyoung. There will be NO rape or non-con, I do not mess with that, but there will be lots of smut, as promised.

And third, this is my first Ateez fic, so please be kind XD

And I think that just about sums it up. Please enjoy this if you do decide to read it, and I thank you for coming along on this journey with me <3

*** MY WORK IS NOT TO BE POSTED ON ANY OTHER SITE WITHOUT MY EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION. THOUGH REBLOGS AND COMMENTS ARE SUPER LOVED AND APPRECIATED! THANKS FAM!***

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Prologue

Pirates.

Ruthless, merciless, feared lords of the seas. Plundering and pillaging to their heart's content, ransacking villages and ports, taking everything they want without care, and cutting down anyone who dares stand in their way.

Ruthless. Merciless. Feared.

But of all pirates whose ships find home upon the waves, there is one whose very name strikes endless and unquelled fear in the hearts of all, the Halazia.

The very sight of her jolly roger is enough to have women clinging their children close to their chests, and men quaking in their boots, frozen in place and fearing for their lives. They have ravaged more cities than any other ships combined, they sail the seas with no care and no strife, they hold the lands by the throat in an unwavering grasp, and they remain to this day the most revered pirates to ever sail under the black.

Their captain, Hongjoong, commands respect and breeds fear with a single look. Other pirates would part the seas for him, Davy Jones himself wouldn't dare lay a finger on the man. Ports and seaside towns woe every shadow that crosses their horizons, in fear that their innocent town could be the next caught in Hongjoong’s greedy gaze. He leaves no stone unturned when he ransacks his conquests, no building left unburned, no man left alive. Even a whisper of his name, barely audible on the shaken breath of a frightened merchant sailor, is enough to leave even the strongest of men in shivers and raised hairs.

The rest of his crew breathes just as much fear into the hearts of men. He is never seen without his second in command on his arm, Seonghwa. Just as feared, just as ruthless. The obvious pleasure he gets from watching Hongjoong at work is sickening, but to the Halazia’s captain it is all the more reason to swing his sword with inflated vigour. Matelots perfectly suited, but a deadly combination to the lands upon which they walk.

But upon the deck of the Halazia lies a pirate perhaps even more feared and more ruthless than the brutal captain, his first mate, San. Seeing him in battle was both a pleasure and a death sentence. He moved like no other, swung his sword with grace and a strength that seemed effortless. Never had he lost a fight, not with pirate nor marine alike, and never had another man been able to land so much as a scratch upon him. He cut down everyone and everything in his path without even the blink of an eye, took everything he wanted, and felt nothing for it.

It was said by some, those lucky few who had managed to survive a meeting with the first mate, that looking into San’s eyes was to greet the reaper himself. They said they could see death in his eyes, a stare that reached into your soul in the seconds before your demise, an instant cold coursing through your veins, reaching every inch of your body until you felt frozen, numb. His eyes would haunt their dreams forever, nightmares would be a sweet release from the permanent hold he now had upon them. Perhaps lucky was not a word they would use to describe their survival, a swift death at the mercy of his blade would have been a more welcomed reprieve.

Hongjoong may have been known as the most revered pirate captain across the blues, but San was known to all as the Grim.

Pirates. Ruthless, feared, merciless lords of the seas. Should you ever come across one you can do but only one thing, pray for a swift death and make quick peace with your god, and may he help all who fall prey to the Halazia.

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A/N: So there you have the prologue, I have so much planned for this fic so I do hope you guys like it! I was planning on posting this a lot later then this, but I just couldn't wait. Also, this fic has been something that has sort of kept me grounded lately while my mom has been going through a lot of medical stuff including some pretty heavy surgery, so I've been writing for it a lot and figured I would just start sharing it with you all.

That being said, I will probably have chapter 1 posted within the next couple of days, so if you would like to be tagged for any upcoming chapters, please let me know and I would love to add you to the list <3

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